Uses

(Last updated: November 2024)

Note: This page contains affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you.





It's common for personal blogs to have a section outlining the various hardware and software used on a day to day basis, so here's my list.

Hardware

Macbook Pro

I've used Mac since around 2012 after the company I worked for moved everyone onto them. After a few years saving I've upgraded from a 2011 MBP and got a new Macbook Pro 14 Inch M1 Pro which absolutely flies!

Monitor

I have a Samsung UJ590 32" 4K UHD Monitor. I used to use a Viewsonic 2k Monitor and was blown away by the difference in quality and supported resolutions on the Samsung.

Keyboard & Mouse

I use a Satechi Wireless Bluetooth keyboard. I like this as it allows me to pair with up to three devices. Mouse is a Logitech MX Master 2S.

Desk & Chair

Black Friday 2023 found me buying a FLEXISPOT Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk which I love using. I tend to stand for a couple of hours in the morning and then sit for the rest of the work day. The Presets for sitting and standing are a breeze to set up.

I have a LUKRACER gaming chair which I bought when working from home during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Its comfortable enough.

Other

I have a large vinyl record collection and listen to them on a red Pro-ject Essential III turntable hooked up to an ART-PRO Phono Pre-amplifier. This is then fed into a pair of Moukey Studio Bookshelf Speakers which sound really good.



Software

I use the following tools for web development and writing (some links may be affiliate programs):

Notes and Documentation:

  • Obsidian - Awesome for notes, organisation, and just about anything else that involves storing information. Previously I used Notion.

Sytem Tools:

  • Raycast - immensely helpful omni-search. Previously I used Alfred.

  • Bartender - to manage the ever growing menu bar on the mac.

  • Cleanshot - for screen grabs

IDE / Text Editor:

  • PHPStorm - for work.
  • Vim - for most things - coding, writing, administration etc.

Development Environment:

  • Laravel Herd for local development. Previously I used Laravel Valet

  • Docker - for MySQL and other software on mac

  • Warp Terminal - After using iTerm for years I've switched to using Warp - for no real reason. Previously I used iTerm3

  • Tinkerwell - for tinkering with PHP / Laravel code

  • Ray - for debugging

Productivity:

  • Todoist - I manage my life with this - projects, renewals, birthdays/anniversaries, shopping etc

Graphic Design:

Service Clients:

  • Tableplus - for database access and management (when not using cli)
  • Cyberduck - for SFTP / AWS S3 remote access
  • Transmit - Also for SFTP / AWS S3 remote access
  • Postman - for testing / developing API's

Other:

  • Gmail - for, erm, email
  • Slack
  • Spotify

Browsers:

  • Google Chrome - as my main work browser
  • Firefox / Brave / Safari / Edge - for testing and debugging
  • Brave for my personal browser
  • Internet Explorer 6 - just kidding :)